“I never knew I had it before I started the game” – Heartbreaking News has just been announced for Manchester United Star Raphael Varane as he confirms he played through a terrible concussion How could they have let him play 💔
In a candid revelation, Raphael Varane, former Real Madrid stalwart, divulged participating in crucial matches while battling concussion symptoms, oblivious to his condition beforehand. These incidents occurred before the advent of stringent concussion protocols in football, showcasing a gap in player safety measures.
One notable instance was during a pivotal clash against Manchester City in the 2020 Champions League Round of 16, where Varane struggled to focus despite his technical proficiency, ultimately contributing to Real Madrid’s exit from the tournament. Another similar episode unfolded during a league match against Getafe, where Varane experienced intense fatigue post-injury, initially attributing it to end-of-season weariness.
Recollecting these events, Varane pondered whether he would have opted out had he been cognizant of his condition, highlighting the lack of awareness and protocols surrounding concussions at the time. Unlike the UK, Spain still lacks concussion substitution provisions, posing challenges to player welfare.
Varane’s narrative underscores the imperative of concussion protocols and heightened awareness in football, emphasizing the need to prioritize player safety. As football progresses, Varane’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing strides required to safeguard players from the enduring repercussions of head injuries.
